I worked retail (for one of the stores mentioned, actually) for MANY years and I am here to say...they don't ask for volunteers when they're doing up a holiday schedule. At least my store didn't. If you're scheduled, you show up and work your full shift (no, the hours weren't shorter, either). And if you WANT that "holiday wage", you better show up the next day you're scheduled, too. Otherwise, you can kiss that "bonus" goodbye.

I was young, single and didn't really mind. However, I have children now and I wouldn't want to have to miss their Easter egg hunts or watching the parade with them because I had to go to work (for minimum wage--no doctor's salary for retail folks...) on a holiday.

Have worse things happened to better people (than having to work a holiday)? Sure ...although I think I'm pretty "good people" lol. But saying that is taking the original question out of perspective. Are the companies greedy? No. They're trying to take advantage of every available moment of shopping time...can't fault them.

I now work for a group of doctors who close the office for holidays....Bring on the Easter egg hunts!